Mukherjee, Giri’s plaques missing from Manipur war monument

Imphal, April 27 (IANS) On a day when Manipur paid homage to its soldiers who laid down their lives defending the then princely state against the British in 1891, the BJP on Wednesday said plaques bearing the names of presidents V.V. Giri and Pranab Mukherjee were missing from the Khongjom War Memorial complex.

It was on April 27, 1891, that the British Union Jack was hoisted at the Kangla Palace after the trampling of the flag of Manipur princely state which had been fluttering since 33 A.D.

NGOs organised functions to mark the day, and experts spoke about the invasion and Manipur’s defeat 125 years ago.

Moirangthem Hemanta, president of the Khongjom War Memorial Trust who is also the BJP spokesperson, on Wednesday said plaques bearing the names of Giri and Mukherjee were missing from the war memorial complex at the Kheba hillock in Thoubal district.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh earlier said that since the monument was located along the Trans-Asian Highway (linking India-Myanmar-Thailand), tourists from other countries will be attracted to it and will thus help boost the state’s economy.

BJP leader Hemanta further alleged that the Manipur government “did not float tenders for the construction and other works but awarded the work to some contractors who have high connections. The sub-standard construction is there for everybody to see”.

“Tiles have started peeling off although these were installed only a few days before April 23. Besides, the stones near the water body have become loose as there was inadequate cementing,” he said.